Use What You Have
Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe
These baked sweet potato cubes will pair perfectly with all your favorite seasonal dinners. If you're wondering how to bake sweet potatoes at home, here's a simple guide to get you started.
Follow the steps below for perfectly baked, tender sweet potato cubes. You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, but a simple combination of dried oregano, salt, and pepper works wonderfully.
How to Bake Sweet Potatoes
Here's an overview of the steps:
- Step 1: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
- Step 2: Cut the sweet potatoes into cubes.
- Step 3: Place the cubes in a prepared baking dish.
- Step 4: Coat the sweet potatoes with olive oil and season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven until soft and fork-tender, about 45 minutes.
How Long to Bake Sweet Potatoes
At 350F (175C), it will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour to bake 3 large cubed sweet potatoes until they are perfectly soft and fork-tender.
Can You Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can wash, peel, and cube the sweet potatoes a day ahead. Just store the cubes in an airtight in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.
How to Store Baked Sweet Potatoes
Leftover baked sweet potato cubes can be stored in an airtight in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave as needed.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- 2 pinches dried oregano (or to taste)
- 2 pinches salt
- 2 pinches ground black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Coat the bottom of a baking dish with olive oil, just enough to coat.
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into medium-sized cubes.
- Place the sweet potato cubes in the prepared baking dish, and stir to coat with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the cubes with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the sweet potatoes are soft and fork-tender.
Enjoy your perfectly baked sweet potatoes!
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 181
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Vitamin C: 26mg
- Calcium: 52mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Potassium: 643mg
Allrecipes Community Tips:
Absolutely delicious! says Bob Seale. I roasted them on a prepared baking sheet and turned them over halfway through to crisp them. Just before serving, I squeezed a few drops of fresh lemon juice over them.
So simple! says Mary Delaney. Crisp and chewy corners, perfectly soft inside. This will definitely become a regular in our vegetable rotation.
So easy to make, says Linda. I didnt have oregano, so I used Herbs de Provence. Will definitely make it again!
Sweet potatoes are a beloved root vegetable around the world, known for their naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture. Baked sweet potatoes, in particular, are a popular choice for both casual meals and festive occasions. This simple recipe for baked sweet potatoes involves seasoning the potatoes with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper, and roasting them to perfection. But beyond its simplicity, there is a rich history and many regional variations of sweet potatoes that make them a truly global dish.
History of Sweet Potatoes
The sweet potato (scientifically known as Ipomoea batatas) is native to the Americas, specifically Central and South America. It has been cultivated for thousands of years, with evidence suggesting that it was first grown around 5,000 years ago in the region that is now Peru. Early Spanish explorers took the sweet potato back to Europe, where it quickly spread to other parts of the world. The vegetable is often confused with yams, though they are distinct species. While yams are starchier and have a drier texture, sweet potatoes are sweeter and moister. Today, sweet potatoes are grown in many parts of the world, and their popularity has surged due to their health benefits and versatility in the kitchen.
Regional Features and Variations
In different regions, the preparation of sweet potatoes varies widely. In the southern United States, baked sweet potatoes are a classic side dish, often served with butter, cinnamon, and sometimes brown sugar. In the Caribbean, sweet potatoes are commonly used in savory dishes, often combined with fish or other root vegetables. In Asia, particularly in Japan and China, sweet potatoes are often boiled, steamed, or grilled, and can be eaten as a snack or incorporated into both sweet and savory dishes. These variations highlight the adaptability of sweet potatoes to different culinary traditions and flavor profiles.
What Sets Baked Sweet Potatoes Apart
Baked sweet potatoes stand out from other sweet potato preparations because they bring out the vegetable's natural sweetness without overpowering it. Unlike mashed sweet potatoes, which are often combined with sugar and spices, baked sweet potatoes retain their simple, earthy flavor. This preparation allows the texture of the sweet potato to shinecrispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside. While other cooking methods, such as boiling or roasting, also highlight the sweet potatos flavor, baking it at the right temperature creates the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Where Baked Sweet Potatoes Are Usually Served
Baked sweet potatoes are a staple in many households, especially during the fall and winter months. In the United States, they are often served as a side dish at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday meals. They pair well with roasted meats, such as turkey and ham, and are frequently included in both vegetarian and vegan menus. In other parts of the world, such as in Africa and parts of Asia, baked sweet potatoes are served as a snack or as part of a larger meal. In many regions, they are served alongside rice, beans, or leafy greens, offering a satisfying and nutritious addition to any plate.
Interesting Facts About Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A, essential for eye health and immune function.
- They come in a variety of colors, from the classic orange variety to purple and white, each with its own unique flavor and nutritional profile.
- Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile. They can be used in soups, pies, casseroles, and even desserts like sweet potato pies and casseroles.
- The orange-fleshed variety of sweet potato is known for its higher sugar content, while the purple-fleshed variety is rich in antioxidants.
- In some cultures, sweet potatoes are associated with health and longevity, being a staple in traditional diets that promote long life.
Whether you're enjoying them baked, mashed, or in a casserole, sweet potatoes are a versatile, nutritious, and delicious addition to any meal. This simple baked sweet potato recipe is a great starting point for anyone looking to enjoy the full flavor of this wonderful root vegetable. Try it today, and discover why baked sweet potatoes have become a global favorite!
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FAQ about Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Comments
Danil M
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
These were sooooooo delicious, but I did a few things different. Like other users, I cut the potatoes into smaller pieces, about an inch. They only took about 40 minutes to cook. I was out of oregano, so I just stuck with the olive oil, salt and pepper, but I added 2 garlic cloves (crushed), and half of a yellow onion, diced. OMG was it good! Thanks for the recipe. I've never done sweet potatoes like this, so I'm very glad I found this recipe. ***Update*** I made these with some cheddar cheese sprinkled on top for the last 15 minutes or so. So yummy!
TammyJune
01/12/2018 01:37:42 AM
I've never liked sweet potatoes because the only time I've ever tried them was when they were prepared with brown sugar, syrup, etc. Just not a big fan of sweet dishes. But these were surprisingly good! Based on other reviewers, I cut into smaller 1" pieces, used ground Rosemary (personal preference), and covered for the first 30 min, uncovered for the last 20 min and were cooked perfectly! Will definitely make these again when I want a change from my favorite regular potato. Thanks for the great recipe!
Kayci
06/14/2017 01:01:10 AM
Yum! I used a little more salt and these turned out amazing. I didn't have enough time to bake, so I used my potato peeler to peel and cut up into inch size pieces. I boiled for a few minutes until tender and then cooked them in a skillet with olive oil and all the seasonings until they browned really well.
Bob Seale
04/30/2019 10:26:46 PM
Absolutely delicious sweet potato recipe. I roasted them on a prepared baking sheet and turned them over half way through to crisp them. Just before serving, I squeezed a few drops of fresh lemon juice over them. Everyone was amazed at how much subtle flavor the lemon juice added.
katherine
11/19/2018 04:50:01 PM
These were a wonderful addition to Thanksgiving and super easy to prepare. I cut the sweet potatoes into about 1' chunks (or a little bigger) and added fresh chopped rosemary and thyme to the potatoes, along with the salt and pepper. After the turkey was out, I popped these potatoes in, turned the oven up to 400', and they were done in about 30 minutes.
megan
01/05/2019 02:48:35 PM
Used coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. Added garlic powder and rosemary to the seasonings. Cooked it in an Airfryer. The standard cooking time from Airfryer left them cooked but not crispy. Increased time to 20 minutes on 2nd batch and that made them crispier and more to my liking.
ritardedartkid
11/26/2018 10:43:38 PM
Used 5 sweet potatoes, microwaved for about 8 minutes first, cut into smaller 1.5-2" size chunks, swapped the oregano for rosemary. Came out perfectly cooked in 45 mins
Steph
05/01/2020 09:38:39 PM
So good! I cut the sweet potato into smaller pieces and cooked for 40min. Turned out perfect and the entire family loves it
Christina J
01/23/2017 05:55:30 PM
Easy peasy. I put the potatoes and seasoning in a Ziploc bag and shook it up for even coating. These tasted great. I'll be making this again.
CASSEROLECOOK
12/04/2020 01:35:57 AM
I made this tonight. It was surprisingly good! And such a welcome relief to sugary sweet potato recipes! A few things: I changed it to rosemary like many said. After eating it, I can't imagine using oregano instead. I also followed another reviewers note to microwave the potatoes to soften them for easier peeling... and I nuked them too much. (I did 3 minutes, all 3 were still solid, so 3 minutes more - partly mushy and I burned my hand. Note: I did poke holes before nuking because you don't want them to explode. ) tl;dr - They were good and I will make them again (with rosemary).
vanphilly
01/21/2019 06:12:59 PM
Made as outlined, but did add a small onion, cut in chunks. I had white skinned, white pulp sweet potatoes I needed to use. I did use a plastic bag to coat the potatoes and onion, but ensured I only used the "pinch" of spices suggested. Oops! I did use seasoned salt, but added regular salt after baking (I like salt, no excuses). I was surprised and delighted by how great this turned out. Scrambled some eggs, wrapped it all in tortillas, and never looked back. Yum!
Carolyn Hall
03/15/2025 09:21:49 PM
Made it for my book club — everyone asked for the recipe.
Kevin
08/05/2024 11:57:49 PM
Simple, easy, really tasty. Might want to stir it around halfway through to keep from getting burned.
Davila9876pink
06/09/2024 11:35:55 PM
I’ve made this plenty of times and every time it’s a hit.
QuickParm4111
05/28/2024 12:04:43 AM
I love making this recipe, though I tend to keep them in the oven for longer than directed because I enjoy them a tad bit crispy. This dish is a huge hit with friends and family.
old fashion cooker
12/15/2023 02:18:18 AM
Easy Peeze and delicious. Made per recipe with no additions.
HotOkra1956
08/27/2023 05:14:39 AM
Excellent. I cook 40 min., then stir and cook another 10 min. Simple, and perfect with anything. Rosemary works well, too!
KindScoop5258
06/16/2023 03:39:46 AM
I made it for the first time tonight for myself and my daughter, and it was absolutely amazing. We both loved it. I made it exactly how the recipe is written, Delish!!! If I could give it 10 stars, I would!! I forgot to take a picture when it was in the baking dish, but here’s a picture of the leftovers (not much left over since it was SO GOOD!!)
Mary Delaney McSorley
01/17/2023 12:20:42 AM
The video was very helpful. So simple, but many of the best recipes are! I made smaller, bite-sized chunks and I omitted oregano, not a fan personally. The temp and timing were great though. Crisp and chewy corners, perfectly soft inside. Hub asked that we make this a regular in our vegetable rotation. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because I made minor adjustments.
tompat
10/30/2022 06:33:14 PM
Super recipe
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